Remembering Sadiq Patel and Shabir Hussain

As part of Islamophobia Awareness month and it’s aim to highlight contributions from Muslims in Society, we wanted to pay tribute to those we’ve sadly lost this year.

Both Sadiq Patel and Shabir Hussain made unique contributions to their communities and will be remembered for making a huge difference.

Inter-faith campaigner and charity worker Sadiq Patel passed away in October this year.

He was a much respected and loved member of the community. His humility, kindness and compassion are echoed by all those that knew him.

His sudden passing at the age of just 53 was a shock but the outpouring of love witnessed since then has shown just how special his legacy is. His funeral was one of the largest funerals to be held at Pleasington Cemetery with some 1,000 people paying their respects.

Sadiq Patel was known in Blackburn for his volunteering and community work. He had previously worked at the Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) and was also the UK Country director at the charity – Al-Imdaad Foundation. In 2018 charity One Voice Blackburn also awarded him with the Outstanding Achievement Award.

Councillor Phil Riley, Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council said:

There are some members of the community who make such an impact on their surroundings that no matter how humble they might be, you always hear about the great work they’re doing.  Sadiq was like that, a great man who loved Blackburn, its people and worked hard to do the right thing throughout his life. His volunteer and charity work will be remembered as his legacy. Sadly he left us too soon but will be remembered as one of the borough’s best.

In 2017 a photo of Sadiq Patel and 93 year old Renee Black went viral as a Muslim male and Jewish female prayed together. The photo was taken at a memorial after the Manchester arena attack and became one of hope.

Although to the world this may have been something new both Sadiq and Renee were both active members of the Blackburn with Darwen Interfaith Forum. Renee lived close to Sadiq who would visit her regularly to help her and would also take her to Manchester to shop for Kosher food.

Derek Estill Secretary of the Interfaith Forum said:

Sadiq was someone who always thought of others being endlessly compassionate and willing to help anyone in any way he could. He was a devout Muslim being a Hafiz that lived out his faith in all he did. A typical example of this was his unerring willingness to help others.
The image that went viral across the world encapsulated how Sadiq was and is remembered by many people. He showed our troubled world how to live out our lives in harmony.
Sadiq was a wonderful person and example to us all being a loving family man from which he drew his inspiration and the motivation to his life, a wonderful person in so many ways to many mention. He was always looking to help others and will therefore be missed and always remembered by many local people as well as others. May he rest in peace.

Businessman Shabir Hussain founded Akbar’s, the chain of curry restaurants that started in Bradford and more recently arrived in Blackburn.

He sadly passed away in October at the age of 56 and was known as the ‘King of Curry’ and  for inventing the ‘hanging naan’. There are now 10 Akbar’s restaurants across the North and the Midlands.

Many described him as a larger than life character but whose generosity, warmth and kindness is what really stood out, not just for those close to him but also strangers.

Shabir left a lasting impression even if you met him just the once and entering his restaurants (when he was present), felt as though you were his most valued customer where his hospitality and hosting skills made you return even more than the food!

Akbar’s officially opened in Blackburn’s Cultural Quarter in March, Shabir spoke to the council at that time and said:

I’d had my eye on Blackburn for some time and when the opportunity came up, I knew we could do something exceptional here – something that will bring in people from miles around.

Shabir was also the cover star for the Council’s annual Shuttle magazine displaying the huge smile (many knew him for), as he spoke about his beloved restaurants. Shuttle Magazine 2024 flip book – Shabir Hussain

An estimated 5,000 people turned out to pay their respects at Shabir’s funeral, with heartfelt and heartbroken tributes from across the country.

Councillor Quesir Mahmood, the Deputy Leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council and Executive Member for Growth and Development, said:

Shabir Hussain was an extraordinary individual who made a enormous contribution to business. For us when Akbar’s came to town it was a huge coup as they’ve always been renowned for offering quality Indian cuisine.

I didn’t realise however, that I would in the process become good friends with Shabir and I valued all that he stood for as a businessman but also as a fellow Muslim man. I miss him and feel lucky to have known him. Akbar’s is an amazing legacy to leave and sadly he left us too early on in life.